Web site enhances restorative justice program

The Marathon County Bar Association (MCBA) has been honored by the State Bar of Wisconsin with an Award of Exceptional Achievement for creating a Web site to provide information on the Marathon County Restorative Justice Program.

The Web site was created last year through the Local Bar Grant competition project offered through the State Bar.

"The Marathon County Restorative Justice Program (MCRJP) was launched five years ago based on a theory that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through a cooperative process that includes all the stakeholders," Atty. Anza D'Antoni, one of the project coordinators, told the State Bar, which announced the award.

Currently, the Marathon initiative only handles juvenile offenders, who are referred to the program by the juvenile court. The program, which offers family conferencing, a youth education program about shoplifting, a restitution project, and a program for youth facing alcohol or other drug-related charges, was created by the Marathon County Department of Social Services and Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. The program is funded through the Marathon County Department of Social Services and the state Office of Justice Assistance, as well as through donations made by area businesses, civic groups and foundations through the Victim-Assistance Trust Fund.

In accepting the award, Atty. Alan Hougum said the Web site has been beneficial in reaching those who could benefit from the program.

The Web site can be found at: www.mcrjp.org (external link).

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